MUSLIM INVASION OF INDIA
A scenario for Civilization II Fantastic Worlds
by Gabriele Quaglia

Aug-Sept 2001

At the beginning of the second half of the Xth century, India was divided into many warring 
kingdoms. The three main empires, Gurjara-Pratihara, Rastrakuta and Pala, were dividing, 
as their feudatories gained more and more autonomy.
By the beginning of the next century, Gurjara-Pratihara and Rastrakuta were becoming minor 
powers, prey of their very subjects, first of all the Rajput princes in Rajastan, who were 
creating their own dominions.

Meanwhile, among the snowy peaks of Hindukush, a Turk slave revolt brought to power in Ghazni 
Tabuktigin, who led his force of raiders to the conquest a large Empire, mainly against the 
Abbasid caliphate.
In 997, Mahmud, son of Tabuktigin, became chief after his father, and was able to obtain 
peace and the title of Sultan by the Caliph of Baghdad. Then he conquered Peshawar, gate
to the Indus' vale, and began a long series of raids to India. For 17 years he plundered
cities and temples, destroying holy statues and icons, and taking the treasures and
offerings of the pilgrims, becoming an hero for all Muslim people.

The raids continued for decades, but the Indian princes were never able to unite to face
the threat. Divided by bitter rivalries, the Princes lived conforming to the chivalrous
ideals of their time: they were splendid and generous rulers, and bold and brave warriors,
that make of war a game, and gave it rules.

The Turks were just the opposite: poor, ignorant, fierce and led only by the rule of the Jyhad,
the Holy War against infidels, they crushed the Indians with both bitter treachery and fierce
fighting.

From 1191, Turkish policy towards India changed: the new Sultan, Muhammad of the new Ghor 
dynasty, led his armies, composed of Persians and Central Asian horsemen, to war. His aim,
to submit India and spread the Prophet's Word. A new era of war began.
After a first defeat, Muhammad was able to defeat and destroy his enemies, dividing them and
trampling across the Ganges' valley.
By 1206, the Sultanate of Dehli was founded. From this new Empire, the Muslims led a series
of military campaign that, in the arch of several centuries, brought to the conquest of
nearly all the Subcontinent, excluding the extreme South, the isle of Lanka, and the city of
Udaipur in Rajastan.

The wars were fought fiercely, and many heroic and cruel deeds were done, examples to the
forthcoming generations, who would continue the war of their forefathers.

THE CIVS:

GHAZNAVIDS: actually not meant for play - they're the villains. If you, nonetheless,
want to lead Turk warriors to the breaking of Hindu idols and the plunder of their
treasures, please change the Events.txt, switching it with Turkevents.txt :-)
Until the coming of Muhammad of Ghor, your main troops will be Turk Horsemen, fast,
extremely strong in attack, but poor in defense. The Turks strenghtened their main cities
with the treausures stolen from their enemies. Only at the end of the XII cent., they
began to conquer cities to rule them, and not just sack. Watch out for Rajput cavalry:
they're your worst enemy, and they will make the conquest of Rajastan a hard matter.

CAHAMANA: also called Cauhans, they were brave Rajput warriors who controlled north-central
Rajastan, and later, under the leadership of Prithviraj III, conquered much of the region
and defeated Mahmud Ghor, only the be destroyed by the Turk Sultan the following year.
They're the first to face the Turks, and their role is very important. If they fall, hardly
anyone can stop the Muslims to swarm East.
Lying on the plains of Rajastan, they can make good use of the Rajput cavalry, to contrast
the vicious Turk Horsemen. Their main flaw is that they're quite poor on defense, except
for the city-fortresses of Ajmer and Bhatinda, built on hill terrain.

PALA: The last surviving 'mahajanapada', or Great Kingdom. They're facing usurpers in all
their province, so you'll have to defeat them if you want to reunite the former Empire.
A strong neighbour of them is the Orissa, based in Bhubaneswar, and creating Elephant units
every few rounds. If you are able to build a good war and trade fleet, however, every matter
will be easier than thought.

COLA: a merchant Empire in the South, thriving in the Spice Trade. They're quite isolated,
and the only threats are the Elephants coming from the Hoysala based in Dorasamudra, and
from the Eastern Gangas based in Vengi and Pishtapur. The Cola could find a useful ally in 
the Calukya, who can help them ti pacify southern India. A good fleet can be the difference 
between victory and defeat.

CANDELLA: Rajput princes, supporters of art and culture. Keep watch to all tour neighbors,
and play carefully on diplomacy. Note that you're surrounded by cities with wonders: try to 
secure the possess of Kasi who will make the people content; Nalanda will give you new techs, 
and finally the well defended Kanauj can boost demographic growth.

KALACURI: Rajput warriors. You're surrounded by barbarians and enemies. Play it hard and conquer
as much as you can - the Turks will arrive all too soon, and you'll have to be prepared.
Build cities on hilltops, and exploit the rich resources squares. At first you are isolated,
but later your very isolation could help defend your capital. Pay much attention to fortresses.

CALUKYA: a dynasty rising from a revolting Rastrakuta fief. You're VERY weak at the beginning,
but can receive help from the Cola, especially in the shape of techs. They'll have to expand
to stop the enemies invading their territory. Manyakheta, the Rastrakuta capital, is hard to
take but it will grant a good revenue. Also, a port city will help trade and contact with other
kingdoms.

VICTORY CONDITIONS:
Ghaznavids: conquer India, at least all the lands between Herat, Daybul, Tamralipti and Kasamandi.
All other kingdoms: prevent Turks from doing this AND survive until 1261 with a better Civ score
than the Ghaznavids' one.

CREDITS:
I'd like to thank:
Jesus Balsinde, for his support to host my scenarios
Harlan Thompson, a master with his scenario about the Mongols
Stephan Hartel, for his scenario abouth the Mughals, useful for both inspiration and graphics
"Fratelli Goddi" (or so I think :-) ) for the scenario abouth Antigonos'Empire
all the other people, whose gorgeous graphics were used in this scenario, and I can't
figure out. Thanx a LOT!

DISCLAIMER:
If I omitted someone, or unwillingly violated some copyright or so, write me at
evoe-@libero.it

Have a nice game!









